PIP assessments update as DWP admits tests can be 'stressful'

Claimants have to be assessed to determine how much they should receive

An MP has voiced concerns over the impact that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments could have on vulnerable individuals. The DWP benefit is designed to assist those with long-term health conditions or disabilities affecting their daily activities or mobility.

Claimants receive varying amounts based on their needs, and each person has to undergo an assessment to determine this level of need. Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella questioned Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, on "whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the PIP review process on (a) vulnerable and (b) disabled claimants".

In response, pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms highlighted the importance of "regular reviews" in ensuring that PIP payments reflect current needs. He acknowledged the upset assessments can cause, stating: "We understand that assessments can be stressful for some claimants which is why reviews are carried out without the need for the claimant to attend an assessment where sufficient and robust evidence is provided."

He added that when an assessment is necessary, providers will select the most suitable method, such as phone, video, or face-to-face. The minister also noted that the length of a PIP award hinges on the likelihood of changes in the person's needs.

He elaborated: "Award durations can vary from nine months to an on-going award. Guidance ensures that those claimants on the highest level of support whose needs will not improve receive an ongoing award of PIP with a light touch review at the 10-year point."

To be eligible for the benefit, individuals must have a health condition expected to affect them for at least 12 months from the onset. The benefit comprises a daily living part and a mobility part, each with two rates.

These are the current weekly rates:

Daily living part

• £72.65
• £108.55

Mobility part

• £28.70
• £75.75

Labour MP Kim Johnson also questioned the Government about the quality of PIP decision-making, noting that some awards are challenged successfully on appeal. In response, Mr Timms stated: "It is our aim to make the right decision as early as possible in the process."

He added: "To support this we have made improvements to our decision-making processes, giving Decision Makers additional time to proactively contact customers if they think additional evidence may support the claim. We will continue to learn from decisions overturned at appeal, for example we regularly gather feedback from Presenting Officers who attend tribunal."

You can contest a decision regarding your PIP claim via a process known as mandatory reconsideration, which is free to request. The Government is also implementing changes to PIP to simplify the application process.

This will encompass a new Health Assessment Service for all benefits that require a health assessment.